Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Related Groups

AQIM, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), was formed when the Algerian-led Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat formally joined with Al Qaeda and renamed itself in 2006-2007. AQIMs leader reportedly remains in Algeria, but the groups center of gravity has moved southward into West Africas impoverished Sahel region, and east toward Libya. AQIM has long pursued criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom and smuggling. In recent years, it also has claimed a siege at a gas plant in Algeria (2013) and mass shootings at hotels, restaurants, and resorts in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Cte dIvoire (2015-2017). In March 2018, a Mali-based, AQIM-aligned coalition claimed a relatively sophisticated attack in Burkina Fasos capital that targeted the military headquarters and the French Embassy. AQIM and its local allies exploited the popular uprisings in Tunisia and Libya in 2011 and the subsequent civil war in Mali to expand their safe-havens and areas of influence. The collapse of the Qadhafi regime in Libya provided a new source of arms and recruits. In Mali in 2012, AQIM and allied groups leveraged a separatist rebellion and political crisis to assert control over a large swath of territory. They ultimately marginalized the separatists, appointed local administrators, and imposed a violent interpretation of Islamic law. AQIM also reportedly provided support to elements of Nigerias Boko Haram. The French military deployed to northern Mali in 2013, but despite tactical successes against AQIM and its local allies, it did not fully defeat these groups. French troops have since remained in the Sahel under a regional mission known as Operation Barkhane. AQIM and its allies have returned to asymmetric attacks, targeting French forces, local state entities, UN peacekeepers, and civilians perceived as collaborators.